Potential Impact of Statins on Neuronal Stress Responses in Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Recent studies indicate that enhanced neuronal stress responses are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A chronic inflammatory state seems to mediate this detrimental neuro-cardiac communication. Statins among the most widely prescribed medications in primary and secondary disease (CVD) prevention not only lower lipid levels but also exhibit strong anti-inflammatory neuroprotective effects. We therefore sought investigate influence of statins on a patient cohort at risk for CVD. Methods: 563 patients (61.5 ± 14.0 years) who underwent echocardiography 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) were retrospectively identified. Metabolic activity amygdala, part brain’s salience network, was quantified by 18F-FDG uptake, while normal cardiac morphology function assured echocardiography. Vertebral bone marrow metabolism, marker activity, measured PET. Results: Increased an increased (r = 0.152, p 0.015) as well subclinical reduction left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, r −0.138, 0.025). In fully-adjusted linear regression model, statin treatment identified independent, negative predictor amygdalar metabolic (B-coefficient −0.171, 0.043). Conclusions: Our hypothesis-generating investigation suggests potential link between actions reduced which could lead improved The latter warrants further larger prospective population.